In 1979, the Canadian Commission of Enquiry on Educational Leave and Productivity published a report with recommendations for adult literacy. The report called for the establishment of an adult literacy education fund that would provide grants to educational organizations, employers and trade unions, and directly to workers to upgrade their literacy levels. This report was one of many produced by federal government departments that began to link our economic and social well-being to adult literacy. Provincial governments quickly followed suit by commissioning reports and developing policies and new services to improve adult literacy levels.

On October 1, 1986, the federal government’s throne speech identified adult literacy as one of its top priorities. The government committed itself to “work with the provinces, the private sector and voluntary groups to develop resources to ensure that Canadians have access to literacy skills that are the prerequisite for participation in our advance economy.” The consultation process was established by the Department of the Secretary of State for the development of a national strategy.

Twenty-two years later, literacy remains one of the top challenges facing Canadians and the economy. Statistics Canada reports that, “in recent years, adult literacy has come to be seen as crucial to the economic performance of industrialized nations.” Countries like Australia and the U.K. have taken this to heart and adopted national workplace and adult literacy policies aimed to strengthen national economies to enable them to better participate in the 21st century global economy.

So what lies ahead for Canada and its adoption of a national adult literacy strategy? Here is what the four parties serving in the House of Commons have to say:

Dan Dugas, Conservative Party spokesperson states that the Conservative Party is “committed to improving the literacy and essential skills of Canadians and recognizes that economic and social well-being is dependent on having the best-educated, most skilled, and most flexible workforce in the world.” The Conservative Party believes that there is a strong connection between the workplace, families and communities. Moreover, that “strengthening literacy and essential skills in one area of an individual’s life will have an effect in all areas.”

According to David Lewis, a Green Party spokesperson, “Literacy is critical for Canadians and should be considered in how we measure our nation’s well-being.” He stresses that it betters the quality of life of individuals by “enhancing employment opportunities, increasing engagement for people in their communities and workplaces, and in turn invigorates our economy.” The Green Party would implement The Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), which is a method that measures the wellbeing of a country. “The Green Party envisions a national strategy of measuring progress in which literacy would be a critical component in measuring the GPI”, said Lewis.

Liberal leader Stéphane Dion has pledged that a Liberal government would reinstate the literacy funding to the 2006 budget level to ensure Canadians have the tools to succeed. Scott Blurton, Liberal communications officer, states that adult literacy programs should be provided to Canadians and that the federal government has a “role to play” in its delivery. According to Blurton, the Liberal party would commit to working with the private sector to improve literacy and better prepare our workforce for the new economy.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) has committed to advocate for a “pan-Canadian strategy on life long learning.” According to the NDP’s Deputy Director of Research and Communications, Kathleen Monk, they would also reinstate the $17.7 million that was previously removed from the federal literacy fund. The NDP also believes that the government and employers should be working together to address literacy issues facing Canadians.

In weeks, Canadians will cast their ballots to choose a new government. It is clear that Canada’s literacy community has an opportunity to educate Canada’s political leaders about how to strengthen literacy programs and initiatives. Improved literacy levels can strengthen the economy and enhance the standard of living of all citizens. Such a shift would help prepare Canada for the new global economy and the uncertainties that lay ahead.